Rwanda is located just south of the equator and as a result, the temperate tropical climate does not change much throughout the year.

However, the temperatures are lower than in typical equatorial countries due to their high elevation.

Rwanda experiences frequent rains throughout the year with an average annual rainfall of about 40 inches. The heavy rain seasons are from January through April and from October through December.

Average daytime temperatures in Rwanda are about 75 degrees Fahrenheit while night-time temperatures can drop into the low 50s.

Rwanda has a temperate tropical highland climate, with lower temperatures than are typical for equatorial countries due to its high elevation. Kigali, in the centre of the country, has a typical daily temperature range between 12 °C (54 °F) and 27 °C (81 °F), with little variation throughout the year.

Weather Conditions Around Rwanda

Fractionally south of the Equator and with much of the country lying at altitude, Rwanda enjoys an agreeable tropical highland climate.

Temperatures vary considerably between locations but vary little from month to month.

Peak temperatures rarely exceed 30°C (86°F) in the daytime or drop below 15°C (59°F) at night. Akagera is generally the warmest and the Virunga Mountains the coolest.

The average daily temperature in Kigali is 21°C (70°F).

There are two rainy seasons in a year, from mid-February to May and mid-September to mid-December.

The dry season, from June to mid-September, sees light cloud cover and occasional light rainfall. The roads and paths tend to be easier to navigate in this period.

Green Season Highlights      

• Two rainy seasons: March-May and September-December.
• Regular rainfall leaves the air clear and thus provides better photographic opportunities.
• Quieter time of year to travel and thus easier to obtain gorilla permits at short notice.
• The entire country is lush and green.

Dry Season Highlights.

• Two dry seasons: June-August and January-February.
• While some rain still falls, this is a drier time of year with less muddy and dense conditions in the forests.
• Fruiting trees in Gishwati and Nyungwe can make for great primate viewing.
• This is arguably the peak time to visit the savannahs of Akagera for game viewing.